A 2017 study in Nature Reviews Cancer indicated that while chemotherapy helps shrink tumors, in some cases, it can also stimulate cancer cell growth by activating protective mechanisms (Meads et al., 2017). This supports O’Neill’s argument that a more holistic approach is needed for cancer treatment.
Understanding the Favorable Environment for Cancer Growth
Barbara O’Neill emphasizes that cancer thrives in specific conditions, including high glucose levels, low oxygen, and acidity:
High blood sugar levels: A study in Cell Metabolism (2020) found that cancer cells absorb glucose 15 times faster than normal cells to fuel their growth (Pavlova & Thompson, 2020). This explains why a low-sugar diet may help reduce cancer risk.
Lack of oxygen: The “Warburg Effect,” described by Dr. Otto Warburg (1931), demonstrates that cancer cells primarily rely on glucose fermentation instead of aerobic respiration. A 2019 report in Science Translational Medicine also highlighted that a low-oxygen environment promotes cancer invasion (Semenza, 2019).
Acidic environment: Lactic acid buildup from glucose fermentation creates a favorable environment for tumors. A 2021 study in Cancer Research found that tumor acidity suppresses the immune system (Fischer et al., 2021).
Olive Leaf Extract: A Powerful Natural Cancer Remedy
One natural remedy advocated by Barbara O’Neill is olive leaf extract. Olive leaves contain oleuropein, a compound with strong antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
